The Forest Practices Board provides oversight of how well the forest industry and government are meeting the intent of British Columbia's forest practices legislation, reporting its findings to the public. Although other jurisdictions have forest watchdog organizations, BC’s Forest Practices Board may be the only one with an arms-length relationship from government, and a mandate to hold both government and the forest industry publicly accountable for forestry practices.

By law, the board must audit government and industry forestry practices, and it must deal with complaints from the public regarding forest practices and government enforcement. In addition, it may appeal enforcement decisions and penalties imposed by government, seek review of government decisions to approve plans for forestry operations, and carry out special investigations. It chooses which operations to examine, and it publishes its reports and findings without government revisions or comments. The parties involved in an audit or investigation get a chance to review the findings and provide any relevant information before a report is finalized and published.

The appointed board members represent a broad range of expertise and experience in forestry and the environment from across the province. The staff of professional foresters, biologists, engineers, accountants and lawyers conduct the audits and investigations and report to the board, which makes recommendations to the forest industry or government.